Want to get caught up on the latest Disneyland news? We’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn all about the latest developments at Disneyland Resort, from operational updates to face mask guidelines to what’s new and coming soon.
In the News: California Officials Seek to Expedite Theme Park Reopenings
What’s Open and Opening Soon
Currently, the Downtown Disney District — with Buena Vista Street inside Disney California Adventure operating as an extension temporarily — is open at the Disneyland Resort. Since the stay-at-home order was lifted at the end of January, onsite dining is allowed on Disneyland Resort property, though all dining is outdoor-only.
Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park are still temporarily closed per the theme park reopening guidelines enacted by California Governor Gavin Newsom amid the ongoing pandemic. The Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa are also still temporarily closed. Visit the Disneyland Resort official website for the latest operational information.
Dining Returns
We have some great news for those Disneyland locals who want to dine on property again. Several Downtown Disney restaurants (including Naples Ristorante e Bar, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, Uva Bar and Café, and more) have reopened to Guests for outdoor dining. They are accepting reservations — more information here.
Additionally, as of Friday, February 5, dining locations and outdoor vending carts on Buena Vista Street inside Disney California Adventure Park will be welcoming Guests. This means you’ll be able to feast on a classic Disneyland corn dog and churro, if your heart desires. All the information can be found here.
Cast Members Head Back to Work (But Only If They Want To)
As Disney restaurants and dining locations are reopening, Cast Members are heading back to work — but only if they feel comfortable doing so.
We reported in January that so far there is word of over 200 Disney employees being called back to work at Disney California Adventure with the reopening of Carthay Circle, Smokejumpers Grill, and Award Wieners. However, there is also confirmation that Disneyland and Cast Member unions have agreed on guaranteed job security for those employees who do not feel comfortable returning to work during the ongoing pandemic. If a Cast Member is recalled and accepts the offer, they will return to work, but if they decline because of a health concern, they will still keep their job at Disney. You can read more here.
Star Wars Trading Post and WonderGround Gallery
The Downtown Disney District is undergoing even more changes, and it’s safe to say that plenty of Disney fans are happy.
The Star Wars Trading Post — previously located in the former WonderGround Gallery — is getting a permanent location in Downtown Disney. Opening on February 19 in the building that formerly housed the Rainforest Cafe, the Star Wars Trading Post will welcome Guests to a galaxy far, far away (or, at least, a merchandise shop themed after one). You’ll be able to purchase goods from not only Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge but also those inspired by The Mandalorian, and Rey’s speeder will even be located out front.
With the opening of the new Star Wars Trading Post comes the reopening of the WonderGround Gallery, so all of those Disnery art fans will finally have the chance to visit one of their favorite shops once again.
Read all about these new developments at Downtown Disney in our article here.
Legacy Passholder Program
After Disney made the decision to cancel the Disneyland Resort Annual Passport program in January, the company launched a new program for former Disneyland Annual Passholders. Now, all former Disneyland Annual Passholders whose Annual Passes were active as of March 14, 2020, are considered Legacy Passholders.
Keep in mind that the Legacy Passholder program is in place as the theme parks are currently closed and the new membership offerings for Disneyland Resort are not yet announced. However, during this time of uncertainty for the Annual Pass program, Legacy Passholders are being offered some benefits.
In addition to a discount on purchases at the Downtown Disney District, Legacy Passholders are also eligible for special experiences happening this month. They can register for a preview of the new Star Wars Trading Post as well as get access to a special WandaVision photo opportunity in DCA. Click here to read all about the current Legacy Passholder perks.
Face Mask Guidelines
Disney is continuously updating the health and safety guidelines of the theme parks, resorts, and properties as the company continues to navigate through the ongoing pandemic. Recently, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort have clarified the use of clear face masks as well as the requirement of masks for vaccinated Guests.
A new Disney face mask update shares that even Guests vaccinated for COVID-19 will still be required to wear appropriate face masks when visiting Disney property:
At this time, the CDC recommends continuing to practice healthy behaviors while experts learn more about the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide under real-life conditions. With that in mind, we will continue to require our Cast Members and Guests ages 2 and up to wear face coverings at all times except when actively eating or drinking while stationary and maintaining appropriate physical distancing. We will also continue existing health and safety measures like temperature checks, reduced capacity, physical distancing and increased frequency in cleaning.
Additionally, Disney has updated the face mask policy to clarify that clear face coverings are allowed:
Face coverings may have an integrated transparent plastic panel to aid in viewing the wearer’s mouth. These face coverings must:
- Be a fabric face covering featuring a solid plastic panel containing no openings that is attached to the fabric on all sides using tight knit stitching
- Meet all face covering requirements listed above
For information on the face covering requirements referenced in the policy above, read our article here.
As always, visit the official Disneyland website for the latest health and safety information.
What’s Next For Disneyland Resort?
So, what’s next for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure? Here are some things on the horizon.
Jungle Cruise News
Disney recently announced that the Jungle Cruise attraction at both Disneyland Park at Disneyland Resort in California and Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World in Florida will be undergoing some changes. While the attraction will still be known as Jungle Cruise (and will, of course, include those humorous skippers and rambunctious animals) some scenes will be changed.
There is no word on when Jungle Cruise will close for refurbishment or when the new version of the ride will open, but you can read everything we know about the changes coming to the attraction in our guide here.
Developing New Annual Pass Offerings
Additionally, as mentioned earlier in this article, Disney is in the process of developing some new Annual Pass offerings for the Disneyland Resort. Surveys have been sent to former Annual Passholders, and even Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock remains optimistic.
“I don’t know when we’re reopening,” Potrock said when asked about a timeline for launching the membership program. “If the answer was we’re reopening four weeks from now, I would probably tell you we’re not going to be ready. If you told me that it was a little bit longer than that, our hope is to be ready. So that’s a little bit vague, but it’s honest. It’s already in-flight from a research perspective. Our hope is to develop it [the new Passholder program] as quickly as we possibly can.”
Click here for more information.
Avengers Campus
We know Disney intends to open Avengers Campus sometime in 2021 when the theme parks reopen, and it appears that work continues to progress on the new land.
Exterior lighting is being tested throughout the land as Disney Cast Members continue to gear up for the grand opening. The Marvel-themed theme park land will feature all of our favorite heroes, with Spider-Man getting his very own attraction and stuntronic. Fans continue to anticipate the opening of Avengers Campus and many even hope that the land will open for shopping and dining before the theme parks actually reopen, though nothing has been confirmed. You can read our latest Avengers Campus update here.
What Disneyland news has caught your eye recently? What do you expect from the California Disney Parks in 2021? Let us know in the comments.
This article has been updated since it was originally published.